Fresh flowers at home can reduce pain and anxiety, research finds

Abigail Rosenthal, GateHouse Media

Monday

May 27, 2019 at 4:00 AM

Turns out, bouquets of fresh flowers can do more than brighten up a room or show someone you care. They also have extremely positive effects on patients healing from surgery, according to a study by the American Society for Horticulture Science.

Researchers split 90 patients into rooms with or without fresh plants. Those with the plants showed far more improvement, with lower blood pressure and heart rate, lower ratings of pain, anxiety and fatigue, and more positive feelings and higher satisfaction with their rooms.

Overall, the study suggested using flowers and other plants as a “complementary medicine” for recovering patients. Other studies have shown that fresh flowers reduce stress and helps us feel more relaxed.

A bouquet might not last forever, but it seems the effects are well worth it.

More from GateHouse Media:

How to protect your car from hail damage

It's not just chlorine that makes our eyes red while swimming

Summer 2019: Tips for traveling with pets

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.